Brooks is a master science fiction writer. He writes about classic monsters in a way that demonstrates his deep research of the monsters, but builds on the mythology in a strong fashion. No Harry and the Hendersons here, because of course Sasquatch wouldn’t be tame.

It’s the devolution at the heart of this novel that makes it great, though. Brooks presents us with a idyllic future town, but nature doesn’t nurture. It’s cruel and technology can rarely protect us from it.

It drags a bit in the beginning, but it’s necessary for the conclusion we eventually reach. The last 80 pages are intense and engaging.

I can’t wait for Max Brooks’s next project for adults. I hope it’s a faithful adaptation of WWZ, but if it’s another monster retelling, I welcome it.